Canada's Magic

06 February 2012

Toronto: Dan Harlan lecture

Dan Harlan Lecture March 28th 8PM 2012

World Famous for his Unique Magical Creations, Dan Harlan travels the globe performing and teaching incredible magic. One of the most innovative modern magicians, Harlan’s cutting-edge miracles are coveted by discerning connoisseurs of fine magic done well.

Read more and buy your tickets.

I had the pleasure of seeing Dan lecture a number of years ago, in the basement of a North York deli. I still remember the moment he had me make the final tear in his demonstration of Starcle. Very magical! And despite the "inscription" on the cover of his lecture notes, I have referred to them often!

05 February 2012

Broken wand: Francis Martineau (1922-2012)

From the Ring 92 newsletter (PDF):

Sadly, Francis Martinau passed away January 8th, 2012. Francis was a charter member of the VMC and Past President (1954). Francis was a Canadian magician, magic illustrator and author. Best known for his amazing artistic contribution to the three-volume Rice's Encyclopedia of Silk Magic for which he drew thousands of illustrations and hand-lettered the entire text.

Read more (PDF).

04 February 2012

David Acer at the 84th Annual I.B.M. Convention

There's a new poster up at the IBM Convention Facebook page. David Acer is one of the five featured performers on the poster!

Hopefully more details will be available soon!

03 February 2012

Broken wand tribute sites

[Edited:

February 12th: This post has been followed-up with this one "Broken wands page"
February 10th to include Dai Vernon.
February 9th to include: Ivano Fortier, Rene Johnson, Gary Ouellet, Mel Stover, Bruce Posgate and Len Vintus. Thanks again Phil!
February 7th to include Tom Auburn. Thanks Phil!
February 6th to include Stewart James.
February 4th to add Ross Bertram. Thanks for the reminder Julie!]

Some time ago, a good friend of the blog suggested the great idea that a section of real estate here be used to honour those who are no longer with us by linking to their tribute sites.

The sites will be listed under the header "Broken Wand tributes" and will be published immediately following the Magical blogs listing in the middle column.

Currently listed are:

Auburn, Tom (1917-1990)
Bertram, Ross (1912-1992)
Cooper, Len (1928-2003)
Eng, Tony (1946-2008)
Fortier, Ivano
Giordmaine, John (1898-1974)
Henning, Doug (1947-2000)
James, Stewart (1908 - 1996)
Johnson, Rene (1911-2009)
Lorraine, Sid (1905-1989)
Mandrake, Leon (1911-1993)
Morrissey, Herb (1938-2003)
Ouellet, Gary (1945-2002)
Posgate, Bruce (1900-1990)
Stover, Mel (1912-1999)
Vintus, Len (1903-1999)

As always, please let us know of errors or omissions.

Thanks for the great idea! Keep 'em coming!

02 February 2012

Darcy Oake in Vegas!

From the Winnipeg Free Press:

Winnipeg magician Darcy Oake has conjured up his first paying gig in Las Vegas.

Oake, 24, has been signed to appear for a week starting March 15 as part of Vegas Magic Theatre, a new showcase with a rotating cast at the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino.

"This is a big opportunity," Oake says. "It's the entertainment capital of the world."

Read more.

Congratulations Darcy!

01 February 2012

Making a Difference: My Magic Hands

[Edited Thursday, February 2nd to add the link to (and content from) Sharing Wonder.]

Tonight, on Global News Hour (5:30pm - 6:30pm) in Toronto, look for Susan Hay's segment, "Making a Difference." In it, Susan will interview Julie Eng and James Alan and discuss the impact of Magicana's My Magic Hands program in a Toronto area school.

Watch the video at Global Toronto or in the player below:

From Sharing Wonder:

Since the program’s inception in 2004, we have run 94 sessions in different centres throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) engaging 1,670 participants, 584 volunteers and interacting with 5,695 community members. The program continues today thanks to the generous support of our title sponsor, Slaight Communications.

Read more.